What is the difference between a Thai Ridgeback and a Vietnamese Ridgeback?

What are the three types of ridgebacks?

Okay, so you want the lowdown on ridgebacks? Alright, hold your horses! You think that answer is good? It's about as exciting as watching paint dry, seriously. Buckle up, buttercup, 'cause here we go.

Three breeds of ridgebacks exist, and they're way cooler than your average dog. It's like having a canine with a built-in Mohawk, y'know? Here are the top dogs, the crème de la crème:

• Rhodesian Ridgeback: Think "lion hunter," but more like "lazy sunbather who occasionally chases squirrels." They're HUGE! I once saw one, and it was, like, bigger than my Aunt Mildred's prize-winning zucchini. The best!

• Thai Ridgeback: These pups are rarer than a decent parking spot downtown. Seriously. Supposedly, they were ancient guard dogs. These are like dog ninjas, silent and deadly... mostly with cuddles.

• Phu Quoc Ridgeback: Hailing from Vietnam. I imagine they're like the backpackers of the dog world. These dogs are super rare. Getting one is like finding a unicorn that can fetch your slippers, only way more expensive.

They’re all good boys! Trust me, or don't. I don’t really care. BTW, I saw a squirrel today. That was great.

What is the difference between a Thai Ridgeback and a Rhodesian Ridgeback?

Okay, so you want to know the real dirt on Thai vs. Rhodesian Ridgebacks? Think of it like comparing a sassy, miniature opera singer (the Thai) to a majestic, lion-hunting baritone (the Rhodesian). Completely different vibes, right?

Breed Group: One's a cuddle bug (Companion), the other's a serious hunter (Hound). See? World's apart.

Origins: The Thai Ridgeback? Ancient Thailand, obviously. Think temples, spicy food, and possibly some ancient royal lineage. The Rhodesian? Africa, man. Big game, sun-baked landscapes, and a history as epic as its name suggests. My friend, Mark, even owns one.

Size and Temperament: The Thai is more compact. A pocket rocket, if you will. The Rhodesian? Think graceful greyhound, but with attitude. They're not aggressive, just… imposing. Like a well-dressed bouncer.

Training: Thai Ridgebacks – charmingly stubborn, I've found, sometimes reminding me of my cat, Mr. Fluffernutter. Rhodesians need a strong hand. Think gentle but firm, like teaching a particularly enthusiastic golden retriever to play chess.

Appearance: The ridge, of course! Both have it, that distinctive backwards-flowing hair stripe. But the Thai's ridge is often shorter and less defined, like a stylish mohawk compared to the Rhodesian’s more prominent, regal mane. Coat colors vary widely too; imagine a rainbow versus a more limited but equally stunning palette.

• Key differences summarized:
  • Size: Thai Ridgebacks are smaller.
  • Temperament: Thais are more playful; Rhodesians are more serious.
  • Training: Thais can be more challenging to train, whereas Rhodesians require firm guidance.
  • Coat: Although both breeds feature a ridge, there are subtle distinctions in size and appearance.
  • History: Different origins, different histories, different everything.

My neighbor, Susan, swears her Rhodesian Ridgeback is the reincarnation of a pharaoh. I’m not saying she’s wrong.

How much is a Vietnamese Ridgeback?

Okay, so, Vietnamese Ridgebacks. Man, I was looking at getting one last year, 2023. Crazy expensive. I saw puppies advertised for four grand, easily. Four THOUSAND dollars! That was the average, I checked multiple breeders' websites. Ridiculous! I mean, seriously. Four thousand!

Some were cheaper, sure. Under fifteen hundred, I even saw a few. But, those seemed…sketchy. You know? I wasn't taking any chances with a dog that expensive. I wanted a healthy dog, from a reputable breeder. No backyard breeders for me. Nope.

The range was insane. Fifteen hundred to two thousand, two to two-five, two-five to three. It varied wildly, depending on the lineage, I guess. But four thousand was the ballpark for a really good one. The bloodlines, you know? Championship lines, stuff like that.

I ended up not getting one. Couldn't justify the cost. Four thousand dollars is a lot of money. Maybe next year. But yeah, expect to pay a pretty penny. Four thousand dollars is a reasonable average price for a quality pup in 2023. Seriously.

Is a ridgeback a good family dog?

Three am. Can't sleep. Thinking about Ridgebacks.

They are good family dogs, but... it's complicated. Loyal, fiercely protective of their family. That's the truth. My niece, Lily, adored our old Ridgeback, Gus. He'd let her do anything. Anything.

But, that protectiveness… it's intense. Needs a firm hand. Not aggressive, exactly. More like… intensely watchful. Always observing.

This breed isn’t for everyone. That's for sure.

Things to consider:

• Training: Absolutely essential. Early socialization is key.
• Exercise: They need a lot of it. Daily long walks. My back still aches from Gus’s pulls.
• Space: A big yard is ideal. They are not apartment dogs. Trust me.
• Independence: They’re independent thinkers. Stubborn, even. Prepare for that.

They're not yappy. They are quiet dogs. Until something happens. Then it's all business.

The quiet before the alert, that's unnerving. Maybe it's just me. But it was.

Are Ridgebacks difficult to train?

Ridgebacks? Stubborn. Training? A dance with wolves. Intelligence is a double-edged sword.

They think. You command. Who wins? Depends on the treat.

• High prey drive. Squirrels are more interesting.
• Independent streak. "Sit" is a suggestion, not a law.
• Early socialization. Crucial. Or prepare for mayhem.

A firm hand? Essential. Patience? More so.

Think like a Ridgeback. What's in it for them? Positive reinforcement wins. Rewards trumps brute force. My Uncle Jerry tried yelling. Didnt work.

Consistency is key. Do not give up.

They're not difficult. Just… selectively obedient. Like me with chores. Payoff? A loyal, albeit opinionated, companion. Worth it? Maybe.

Do Ridgebacks have separation anxiety?

Ugh, Ridgebacks. Separation anxiety? Totally. My aunt's dog, a gorgeous red one named Rusty, freaked out if she left the house. Complete chaos. Chewed everything.

Seriously, it was awful. They're velcro dogs. Always want to be near you. It's not just some "maybe" thing. It's a real problem. Remember that time Rusty ate half a sofa? Yeah.

Think it's the breed. Loyal AF. Too loyal maybe. That bond they form, intense. Needs a lot of attention. Lots and lots.

• Strong bond with owners. This is key. It's not a myth.
• Separation anxiety is common. Don't kid yourself.
• Needs constant companionship. It's not a suggestion, it's a fact.
• Training is vital but sometimes not enough. Poor Rusty.

My vet said early socialization helps. But even then... still prone to it. Maybe a second dog? Nah. Too much. One is more than enough drama for me.

2024 update: Still convinced, from my experience, that Ridgebacks are prone to separation anxiety. Training essential, but the breed's inherent loyalty makes it a common issue. The sofa thing - traumatic. For Rusty, not for me. Don't judge. I got a new one. A really expensive one. This time, it's indestructible. Or so they say.

Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks aggressive to humans?

It’s 3 AM. The house is quiet. Except for my own thoughts, swirling. Rhodesian Ridgebacks…yeah.

They're not inherently aggressive towards humans. But. It's the socialization, that’s the key. Really. Crucial. My friend’s dog, a beautiful ridgeback named Zola, bit a child last year. Not seriously, thank god, but it scared everyone.

Zola was undersocialized. She was afraid. Scared of kids. The owner knew it, but… didn't act soon enough.

• Early socialization is essential. This isn't optional, it’s non-negotiable. Puppy classes. Exposing them to different people, sounds, environments. Even other dogs. This is critical.
• It’s a HUGE commitment. Not just feeding and walks. It’s about consistent training, understanding their needs. A lot of patience. It is hard work.
• They're loyal, yes. Intensely loyal. Mine was like that. Devotion. But that loyalty can sometimes manifest in protectiveness, if not properly managed. It's a double-edged sword. A beautiful, sharp sword.
• They are powerful dogs. That needs to be respected. A full-grown Ridgeback is no toy. Powerful jaws. Strong. This isn’t a cute fluffy thing. They're athletic, energetic…need a lot of exercise.

My own dog, gone now, was… different. Gentle giant. But I worked with him constantly. I knew the responsibility.

So it’s complicated. The breed itself isn't the problem. The lack of training, is. It’s always the owner’s responsibility. Always. Always.